James Huff Stout Remembrance Day & Lantern Walk
Monday, December 8, 2025 • 4:30–6:30 PM
Begins at the Wilson Place Museum
A Community Tribute of Light, History, and Gratitude
Join us for an evening of reflection and remembrance as Menomonie honors James Huff Stout — the visionary who transformed our community through education, innovation, and civic progress.
This annual event brings together residents, students, and community partners to celebrate Stout’s legacy and the enduring impact of his work.
The City of Menomonie has officially proclaimed December 8 as James Huff Stout Remembrance Day, ensuring that his contributions continue to inspire future generations.
The Lantern Walk
Participants will walk by lantern light through downtown Menomonie. Along the way, the group will pause at five narration stations, where we share stories of Stout’s enduring contributions to education, civic improvement, and public service.
When we walk together, together we shine.
This reflective two-mile walk begins at the Wilson Place Museum, continues through the UW–Stout campus, and returns to the home site where Stout once lived.
Free event • All ages welcome
Why We Remember James Huff Stout
James Huff Stout was more than a legislator and industrial leader — he was a bold educator, a forward-thinking innovator, and a champion of public good. His legacy includes:
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Founding the school which became today’s University of Wisconsin–Stout
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Creating Wisconsin’s first manual training school
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Advancing public libraries, open access education, and practical learning
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Supporting civic improvements that shaped Menomonie’s growth and identity
His belief that knowledge should be accessible to all continues to guide our community today.
Lantern Stations & Themes
As participants walk the route, they will pause at five narrative stations, each exploring a different dimension of Stout’s legacy:
1. The Man Behind the Mission.
2. Connecting Knowledge and Purpose
3. Education for All
4. Legacy of Leadership and Service
5. A Day of Remembrance
Support the Lantern Fund
Our hope is to light 62 lanterns — one for every year of James Huff Stout’s life. But that depends on you. Every cent of the donations below will go to the lantern walk.
This year, our goal is to raise $1,000 to purchase lanterns and materials for the Remembrance Walk. Each lantern symbolizes Stout’s lifelong commitment to education, civic progress, and community service.
Your support ensures that this tradition remains free, meaningful, and accessible for everyone.
With your help, we will light all 62 lanterns and keep Stout’s legacy shining bright.